For his first fight ever in Texas, Vardan Gasparyan received a warm reception from the local Armenian community but the hospitality from his opponent, Houston’s Darryl Nolan, wasn’t as forthcoming and a very unwelcoming draw on the scorecards was the result. After almost a year and half of inactivity, Nolan returned to the ring and gave the visitor all he could handle.

The bout began with both fighters showing each that they’d come to fight and neither was backing down. Vardan, aka Vito, stalked Nolan, landing counter punches and controlling the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Nolan began to find the right distance and elude Vito midway thru the fight as both fighters showed signs of tiring in the 5th. Gaining their second winds, they finished the bout strong. One judge favored the Armenian national, but the other two agreed that the bout was a draw.

Fellow countryman, Junior Middleweight Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (18-0, 12 KOs) was in attendance, as was NABF Light Heavyweight Champion Chris “Hard Hittin” Henry (21-0, 17 KOs). Both fighters are currently being trained by Ronnie Shields.